Field Assignment 2 – Unmarried Lives – Singles & Cohabitants
Introduction: More people today than in the past are choosing not to marry, are living together, or are raising children alone. Let’s find out some of the perceptions of people you know about singlehood and cohabitation. Try to find single participants and people who have or are currently cohabitating.
For this exercise, ask four individuals to participate in a field interview as part of your class on Marriage and Family. Provide the demographic background of all four participants. You can keep names private and use pseudo names or initials if you like.
Ask these four people the same four questions from the list below. Compare and contrast your personal perspective with their views. Define each of the terms for your participants using your e-text chapter.
PICK 4 ONLY – Select 4 Questions that fit your participants the best.
[1] Have you ever cohabited? If yes, would you recommend living together as a viable option to your children, family members, or friends? If you haven’t cohabited, why not? And do you plan to do so in the future?
[2] What are the benefits and costs of living single in the United States today?
[3] What are the benefits and costs of cohabitating with a partner?
[4] The prestigious American Law Institute (2002) created a stir when it proposed that cohabitation be legalized. Unmarried couples would have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples regarding inheritance, child custody, debts, alimony, and health insurance, for example. Do you agree with this proposal? Explain your rationale.
[5] Do you favor or oppose same-sex relationships? Explain.
[6] Cohabitation has costs, but many cohabitants are convinced that it leads to better marriages. Is this true? Or wishful thinking?
[7] A review of existing studies found that married couples with a history of prior cohabitation(s) are more likely to split up than couples who have never cohabited. Why do you think this happens?
[8] Research shows that many singles are hesitant to marry not because they don’t believe in marriage, but because they fear divorce. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.
Source: Benokraitis, N. V., & Buehler, C. (2018). Marriages and Families (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780134736143Links to an external site.
ESSAY SUBMISSION
Introduction -What is the Title and purpose of the exercise? How is this short essay organized? Are there any definitions that need to be provided?
Sample Description – Demographic Background of your Four Participants
Methodology
Results – Interview Data from Four Questions – Address the four questions in the Exercise and share your research results and comparative analysis.
Conclusion – What did you learn or discover as a result of completing this learning activity?
References If you use resources other than course materials, please cite that reference appropriately using APA style . https://www.scribbr.com/category/apa-style/Links to an external site.
